The Denison Press
Friday, January 26, 1951
pg.4

Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian church Saturday afternoon, January 20, for Oliver W. Hayes, 56, who died at Madonna hospital Thursday following a heart attack suffered 3 weeks before.  Rev. Ed Bayless officiated and interment was in Fairview cemetery with Bratcher-Moore funeral directors, in charge.
Mr. Hayes was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, January 3, 1895, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Hayes.  He received his schooling in Hot Springs.  He worked in a logging camp in Idaho before coming to Denison when he was 16 years of age.  He worked in his father's men's clothing store for several years and after his father's death, managed the store as part owner with J.T. May.  He later became full owner of the Hayes and May store, before he joined the Madden firm.  For the past 21 years he was part owner and manager of Maddens, and became manager of the men's furnishing department after the store was
sold to Dunlap's.
He had served as director in the Chamber of Commerce and Retail Merchants association.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian church, the Rod and Gun Club and was a 32nd degree Mason.  Recently he had been appointed a director in a state retailer organization. 
He was married June 28, 1919 to Miss Bess Baker, who was associated with the Madden
store for several years.  Their home is at 1113 W. Walker.
Survivors besides his widow are a brother, George Stephens, of Texarkana; and an aunt, Miss Leona Stephens, Hot Springs.